Carnal Beginnings: A dark romantic suspense (Carnal Series Book 1) Page 12

  “Everything okay?” Adara’s demeanor slipped back into a world of fear and uncertainty with her tight expression and forced smile.

  “We’re fine, but I need to make several calls. Why don’t you have a seat and open the windows.” He’d parked in the shade of a large oak.

  A muscle in her temple ticked as she caught the key ring tossed to her. Without hesitation, she slid into the front passenger seat and slipped the key into the ignition.

  When an unmarked police car rolled to a stop beside him, a brief glimpse of Adara’s expression necessitated a quiet word of reassurance before approaching the detective, an old teammate from the military. “We’re fine, Adara. I’ll explain what’s happening in a few minutes.”

  Once again, Julien tried to fit pieces of a mismatched puzzle together to form a picture. Nothing fit.

  “Hey, Sarge, glad you’re the one to catch this call. Its been a while.”

  “When I heard who requested assistance, I figured I’d find out if you’re still the troublemaker of the family…” A casual suit marked the officer’s diligence in appearance.

  In short order, Julien explained the prior note and late-night uninvited visitor, a report on everything to date.

  “How about we meet back at your firm where I can get a statement from you both? Let me grab an evidence bag big enough for that envelope.”

  Tears brimmed Adara’s eyes when he slid into the car. Pale complexion contrasted midnight locks and betrayed her expectations. Without detailing the package’s specific contents, he pointed out the necessity of filing a police report.

  Heavy breathing callers and nasty notes are one thing, body parts another. He prayed the appendage didn’t come from Graham. It all begged the question of what sadistic tendencies her uncle displayed. The quiet ride disrupted the morning’s progress in easing her tension. She remained pale and contemplative.

  Julien relayed brief experiences with the detective through military experience, their paths crossing at regular intervals. She knew of his history in the service, but not the gory details.

  * * * *

  Adara tried to relax at the conference table. Existence as the center of attention always proved a bad thing. “Is anybody going to tell me what was in the envelope?”

  Four Crofton brothers sat around the table, concern etching their expressions. The police officer remained stoic, except when his gaze landed on Adara.

  Even Conner deferred to his younger brother’s preference with only a suggestion, “She deserves to know.”

  A rough explanation depleted warmth from her skin while the brothers’ continued discussion in the background. It all added up to buzzing in her ears like the white noise of early morning television.

  Please do be dead, Graham.

  Adara couldn’t detail the sexual abuse leading to her fleeing her home while seated among five men. Each retained an air of quiet respect when first one then another quizzed her about Simmie and their non-relationship, as well as her knowledge of Graham.

  “He’s a good friend and would never try to scare me., Simmie, however, along with my uncle and cousin, are different stories. I didn’t know Dad co-owned the drug company with Simmie’s father. He never talked much about business.” Slight furrows wrinkled her brow. “Do you think Simmie’s involved in this?”

  “We don’t know, hon. That’s why we’re making statements now. We will figure it out.” Julien’s hand covering hers offered a reprieve from the swirling vortex of stress crushing her chest.

  The recorded conversation lasted a lifetime in her mind, knowing past experiences would replay in her nightmares in horrific detail. Dread’s mantle settled once again when Julien, Nate, and Conner went into her boss’s office and closed the door once the detective left.

  Marc kept her company and engaged her in conversations about their trip to the arboretum and nurseries. So similar in appearance, his lighthearted approach to life contrasted with Julien’s no-nonsense attitude. Thirty minutes later, Julien, Nate, and Conner returned, a puzzled frown etched in each of their expressions.

  This can’t be good.

  Upon seeing her, Julien smiled and offered his hand. “How about we make tracks out of here? I have an idea.”

  The arts and crafts store carried appropriate supplies to bring years’ worth of visions to scale. Julien continued to engage her in conversation specific to each, yet his preoccupation indicated her situation involved more than first suspected.

  Once back in his home and sitting at the kitchen bar, the flow of concepts took shape on her sketch pad and proved a much-needed distraction.

  “Hey, not bad. Maybe you’re in the wrong line of work.”

  She smiled when he shoulder surfed to scrutinize the design.

  “What’s this?” With BBQ tongs grabbed from a drawer, he indicated a special area outside the kitchen door.

  “A butterfly herb garden. Since you like to cook, I figured it would come in handy. I outlined the wings with Greek oregano. Inside are the herbs you use most often. The body of the butterfly is made of tumbled glass in different colors. It’s all bordered with a hybrid lavender. Everything is used, not to mention colorful.”

  “Wow, it’s fantastic. Beauty and function integrated.”

  When he set thick packaged steaks on the counter, she realized how natural and relaxed their interactions had become, ordinary and domestic.

  “These steaks look great—and huge.”

  “Don’t worry. Nika will finish anything we can’t.” He glanced at the drawing again. “I think your talents are definitely wasted in the office.”

  “I always figured if I couldn’t make it as a gymnast, I’d open up a gardening center. Then after my folks died, I knew all those dreams were dead. But then I came to work for you, to learn what I’d need to escape and stay under my family’s radar. I think the only reason Tony allowed me to work is he figured I’d never have the courage to run or stand up to them. Along the way, I just gave up on thinking about the future.”

  “Adara, you will never have to run from them. And—once we make them understand your position, they won’t bother you. We’ll make it clear it would be in their best interest to leave you alone. That’s if they’re not in jail.”

  “In just a couple of days, you’ve completely changed the direction of my life.”

  “Learn to live in the moment and be happy, Adara. Just be happy.”

  “I am, Julien. For the first time since my parents’ death, I truly am.”

  “So, after steaks on the grill, how about a movie, maybe a romantic comedy?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Julien marveled at the changes in Adara. Over the prior six months, smiles seldom occurred. Now, the spontaneous response arose with increasing frequency despite the overhanging threats.

  She’d handled the news about the package well, following his lead and accepting his protection. Occasional shadows crossed her expression, but with a few words, he could redirect her to thinking forward.

  Dinner passed amid animated conversation. Comical stories of his brothers and their antics resulted in Adara’s favorite anecdotes about her life with fun-loving and good-humored parents. Well-traveled for one so young, she brought foreign ruins and castles to life with detailed descriptions. He’d never enjoyed a woman’s company more.

  “Dinner was great. How about tomorrow night, I cook?” A new lightheartedness enlivened her frame with putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher.

  “Sounds good to me. Why don’t you look through the pay-per-view movies to see if anything strikes your fancy? I’ll grab us a snack.”

  After setting a tray containing soda and popcorn on the coffee table, he sat beside her and handed her a drink. With her feet curled under her on the sofa, peace and contentment settled around them. Not only did she not flinch when he laid his arm on the seat back behind her, she rested her head against his arm.

  The high-spirited comedy didn’t have much appeal with his attention center
ed on her. About an hour into the movie, she inched toward him, her nonverbal question written in her eyes.

  “Absolutely.”

  Like a cat testing the water, she eased her head onto his chest.

  His nonverbal answer urged her closer. Within a half hour, her soft snores drifted through his mind. Yes, little one, trust is earned.

  “Hey, sleepyhead. Movie’s over.” Her exhaustion was expected—the fact she snuggled so close—not so much. He adjusted her to sit and waited for her eyes to focus.

  “Sorry. Didn’t realize how tired…I missed most of the movie, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah, but we can watch it again tomorrow.”

  The pleasure of witnessing her innate grace as she stood paled in comparison to the smile she bestowed on him.

  “You head on up, I’ll let Nika out.” The faint whisper of her tread on carpeted stairs reminded him of her easy spirit and tranquil nature. A treasure. One he intended to enjoy in whatever capacity she’d allow.

  In light of recent progress and the fact she’d enjoyed normal form most of her life, he deemed her ready for another step forward in their relationship. While Nika was outside, he cleared the coffee table. When the dog barked to come in, he opened the door and watched her bound past and trot up the steps.

  At his knock, Adara’s door opened without a sound. Uncertainty filled the air. Hours of easy comradery fogged in the span of seconds, her crystalline blue eyes too large and expectant. Anxiety. How could they backtrack in such a short space of time?

  Earlier, she’d relaxed enough to fall asleep in his arms. He’d tried to shift away when he couldn’t control little Julien. If she knew of it, she ignored his raging desire.

  He strode in the room, ignoring her reaction and startled gasp. “There’s fresh towels in the bathroom, along with other toiletries.” He noticed Nika curled up in a corner of the room, settled in for the night.

  “Yes, I saw them. Thank you. And thanks for lending me the T-shirt.” She’d yet to put it on.

  “You’re welcome. Now, do you want to move forward in your life without fear?”

  “Yes. Yes, I do.”

  “Okay. Let’s test that theory.”

  “What?”

  “Strip. Now. Or tell me you can’t. Remember, you always have a choice.”

  Stiff posture. Eyes closed tight. Still, he doubted she’d refuse.

  “What? Why?”

  “Now, Adara. No hesitation. Make your decision. I’ve told you I won’t force you. We are not going to have sex, and you’ve told me your hard limits. I will respect them.”

  “I do trust you, even if I don’t understand you.”

  Very slowly, she unbuttoned her shirt with shaking hands, slid the material off her shoulders and let it drift to the floor. Her eyes averted while a blush stole over her cheeks. She glanced at him again when her fingers drifted to the button at her waistband. Hesitation. Then, with a leaden stiffness, she released the button, sliding the linen pants over slim hips. Her pulse pounded in her neck, her breaths rapid and shallow.

  “Now, for the rest, bra and panties, too. Don’t hesitate.” He used his Dom voice, knowing she would comply. He hated the remnants of doubt in her expression, yet also sensed her desire for him. The battle raging in her gaze would be fought with time, patience, and experience. He’d win it a little at a time.

  “I can do this. I know it’s a test.”

  She avoided his gaze as her bra dropped to the floor and she slid her panties down her lean thighs and stepped out. Her graceful hands covered the black thatch of curls at the juncture of her thighs. Thin white scars crisscrossed her torso, thighs, even her groin.

  Only a sadistic animal would mar such perfection. When he stepped forward, she gasped as her gaze jumped to his.

  “You said you wouldn’t.” Her eyes misted with unshed tears.

  “What were my words, Adara?”

  “That we wouldn’t have sex and you wouldn’t touch me where I don’t want to be touched. That you would help me move forward in my life to live without fear.”

  “Uh-huh. And have I broken that promise?” With a patience born of life experience, he cupped her chin.

  She cocked her head to the side. “No…No you haven’t.” Wonder stained her voice. Like the dawn of enlightenment, she appeared to surmise the reason for his actions. “I understand what you’re doing.”

  “And I won’t break my promise. When I give my word, I keep it, something you need to learn.”

  As he let his finger drift down her neck and across her collarbone, she shivered and took a deep breath. Goose bumps erupted in the path of his fingers. He wondered if her groin ached with need, a growing tightness he couldn’t deny. Amid the wash of emotions crossing her face, he recognized that underneath, an undercurrent of hormones released in her bloodstream would cause havoc in her body.

  “Remember. You always have a choice. You can tell me to stop. And I will.”

  The distant remains of fear morphed into excitement. Arousal in Adara proved a stronger aphrodisiac than anything he’d ever known as her pupils dilated and she moistened her parted lips, leaning into his touch ever so lightly. The soft sheen of perspiration on her skin shone in the ambient light.

  Her body epitomized perfection. Long slim legs narrowed down through well-shaped calves to trim ankles. Slightly flared hips tapered to a small waist. Flat, tight belly. Her breasts would provide the perfect palmful, at some point in the future. The vision of her standing there like a silent offering would star in his dreams for many nights to come.

  She didn’t have an inkling of her true beauty, or the compassionate, sensitive spirit trapped within. In time he’d show her, help her see reality. Her eyelids drifted halfway closed, and her gaze met his. When she tilted her head to the side and moaned, he almost lost control.

  He couldn’t help but touch her, yet stayed within allowed territory. The fact her whole body trembled provided him stimulus to vow she’d reach the height of sexual arousal at his hands. No doubt, parts of her throbbed in a way she’d never experienced.

  One day soon, she’d beg for release. The same ache caused his fingers to tremble as they glided over near-perfect porcelain skin. A few ridges of scar tissue over her stomach couldn’t cool his lust. His gut clenched in anticipation. Someday, he would take hours just discovering every nook and cranny of her luscious flesh, taste every inch, know every sweet spot.

  “Thank you, Julien, for keeping your word.”

  Breathless words fired his imagination. Her nipples hardened even though his fingers didn’t experience their incredible texture. His gaze remained on her face, requiring a strength of will he hadn’t known he possessed. Peripheral vision was a blessing.

  “Adara, what do you feel right now?”

  “What? Um, I want…I know you’re not going to touch my—”

  “You’re what? Tell me specifically.”

  “My breasts.”

  “What else won’t I touch?”

  “My…crotch.”

  “That’s right. I won’t touch any of the no-go areas. You have all the control. If you tell me to stop, I will.”

  “No! I mean, no, you don’t have to stop.”

  * * * *

  “Are those the only places off-limits?”

  “Um, yes.” The longer she stood, the more she needed his touch—everywhere. To hell with her uncle and cousin. She’d had a crush on Julien since her first day of work. Why shouldn’t she be with him? She could see the stark hunger in his eyes—reined in at what cost?

  The heat in his gaze had betrayed his lust, but now—it included reverence. She knew he’d been aroused earlier on the couch yet never made an inappropriate move.

  Her head spun, all of her senses out of control. The cool, calm-headed girl known for her level head and absolute self-control was gone. Replaced with—someone else. She’d never entertained such lurid thoughts. That’s not true.

  Prior to her parents’ death, she’d thought about it.
At the last school dance before her parents died, a boy had kissed her. Though her date was awkward and inexperienced, he’d awakened her passion despite his boyish manner.

  Julien had the body of a Greek God, exuded kindness, security, and passion.

  “Okay, now answer my question. What are you feeling? And I want honesty.”

  “Um, like electricity is humming through my body. There’s a heaviness and kind of a tingling in my breasts—and crotch.” Actually, she could feel electrical charges zinging from breast to core with moisture on her thighs. “I ache, Julien. Please.”

  His sudden intake of breath belied a steady gaze. With infinite patience, he let his fingers drift across her collarbone, down her arms and underneath her breasts without touching them. Splayed fingers over her abdomen induced her muscles to quiver and bunch under his hand as he observed her responses. A shiver wiggled up, then down her spine, putting a smile on her lips. When she reached out her hand to touch him, he simply said “Uh-uh…”

  “Please?”

  “Not tonight. You’ve got me so hard that one touch and I’ll erupt. Jesus, you’re so responsive.” His hand glided over her hip, then her ass, before pulling her forward until mere breath separated them. She tried to take a half-step forward. “Not tonight. Tonight I just want to explore your beautiful ass. That means it’s mine to touch. I won’t go near your pussy. I gave you my word, didn’t I?”

  “Um, yes, but—” Her voice equaled a harsh squeak as her ass clenched. Not even her imagination felt so good.

  “Do you want me to stop?”

  She squeezed her thighs together. “No! Please.”

  His fingers traced light circular patterns over her scarred glutes. Her body shuddered. Though thin, she’d stayed well-toned. Her body held little fat and remained firm. She realized men didn’t like their women resembling walking twigs, yet the expression on Julien’s face held nothing but desire.

  “Tell me how this feels, Adara.”

  Of their own volition, her eyes closed and she swayed toward him, her breasts lightly rubbing against his thin T-shirt. She could feel her nipples harden against his muscular chest. “I’ve never felt like this.” Whatever happened in the days to come she never, ever wanted to forget what the moment felt like.